Eat red!

If you're looking for ways to feel better and live healthier, you might want to pay attention to what's in your kitchen.

If you're looking for ways to feel better and live healthier, you might want to pay attention to what's in your kitchen.

"More and more, people are searching for delicious, natural foods that offer functional benefits, and tart cherries rise to the top in my book," said David Grotto, RD. "Science continues to support the many health benefits of tart cherries such as helping regulate natural sleep patterns, which is especially important as the CDC now considers lack of sleep a 'public health epidemic.'"

A new book from Grotto, "The Best Things You Can Eat" (Da Capo Press, January 2013), reveals some of the best foods for healthier living, including tart cherries. Recognized for their powerful nutrient profile and functional properties, tart cherries appear several times in Grotto's book, including best foods for sleep, as well as best pain-fighting foods, best foods for muscle recovery, and best fruits overall.

Available year-round in dried, frozen and juice forms, tart cherries are a versatile ingredient to include as part of any diet. Here are some delicous ways you can enjoy the best of eating red:

- Greens and Reds: Toss grilled salmon, dried cherries and a dash of turmeric with salad greens for heightened flavor and pain-fighting nutrients.

Season salmon with salt and pepper. In large skillet over medium-high heat, warm remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add salmon and cook until barely opaque throughout, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Arrange salmon on top of the salads.

Return skillet to medium heat. Add shallots and jalapeno, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Add cherries and ginger, and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add cherry juice; increase heat to medium-high, and cook, scraping up any browned bits, until juice is almost entirely evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.